Get Ready for Graduation!

Congratulations on everything you’ve achieved!

Now it’s time to start planning for your graduation ceremony. Please read this whole page carefully so you don’t miss any important dates or deadlines.

Watch the Commencement 2025 Information Session Video (YouTube)

This year, we will have two graduation ceremonies to make sure there is enough space for all graduates and their guests. You can choose to be in one of the two ceremonies when you sign up—just make sure to register before your chosen ceremony fills up.

You won’t need tickets for either ceremony. Your guests can come and enjoy the celebration worry-free.

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Wednesday, June 18th - 12:00 p.m.

Details:

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Wednesday, June 18th - 6:00 p.m.

Details:

 

Registration is OPEN!


When registering students must self-select which ceremony they will attend. Once a ceremony has reached capacity, the registration for that specific ceremony will be closed and students will only be able to register for the available ceremony.

Students must have submitted an Intent to Graduate Form in order to be added to the Commencement Registration system.

As of Monday, May 19th, 2025:
  • Ceremony #1 (12:00pm) is 74% full
  • Ceremony #2 (6:00pm) is 100% full - no longer accepting  registrations.

Register Now!

 

Information Sessions


There will be no ceremony rehearsal at the accesso ShoWare Center. Instead, we will be hosting two graduation information sessions for all graduates. Important information about the ceremony will be discussed including graduation cards, processional and diploma ceremony and general venue information.

Your commencement ceremony will be more fun for you if you know what is going on, so please plan to attend one of the two sessions.

Date and Times: Tuesday, June 13, 2025 (Study Day)

  • 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., or
  • 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Lindbloom Student Union (SU), Grand Hall

Graduates who cannot attend an in-person Information Session are encouraged to watch our Information Session video instead (which will be posted here at a later date).

Caps, Gowns, and Tassels 


The Paper Tree Bookstore has caps, gowns, and other regalia now available for purchase.

Commencement and Graduation items can be ordered using the Paper Tree Bookstore official site. Please note, some item inventory may be limited. Order your items today!

Please note the following:

  • Caps & gowns are sold as a package set.
  • Graduation announcements, thank you cards, diploma frames, and diploma covers are available for purchase.
  • Announcements are sold individually, thank you cards are 25 to a box.

Honor Cords and Stoles:

(Note: Students do not need a card or proof to purchase stoles or cords)

Special honor cords, if awarded, may be worn by students who have earned associate (Honors, High Honors, or Highest Honors) or baccalaureate honors (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude). Awards are determined by grade point average:

  • Associate Degree Honors
    • Honors (Gold Cord): 3.50 - 3.69 GPA
    • High Honors (Double Gold Cord): 3.70 - 3.89 GPA
    • Highest Honors (Gold Stole): 3.90 or above GPA
  • Bachelor's Degree Honors
    • Cum Laude (Gold Cord): 3.50 - 3.69 GPA
    • Magna Cum Laude (Double Gold Cord): 3.70 - 3.89 GPA
    • Summa Cum Laude (Gold Stole): 3.90 or above GPA
 
 
Order Commencement Regalia

 

 

Graduate Transportation

 

Transportation

A free shuttle is provided for students going to and from the commencement ceremony. Seats are available on a first come first serve basis. Shuttle will be leaving the bus circle next to the AD building at 4:15pm for the 6:00pm ceremony start. To sign up, come to the SU Information Desk on the first floor.

  • For more information about the shuttle call 253-931-6451

General Parking

accesso ShoWare Center features free parking on-site, and in several lots within close walking distance. Parking spaces at the on-site parking lot are limited and are filled on a first come, first served basis, therefore arriving early is advised.

Parking for graduates with disabilities is available with proper state identification on-site at the Kent ShoWare Center. Parking spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis.

As a courtesy to Kent Station’s patrons, please do not leave your vehicle at Kent Station during the commencement ceremony.

Navigate to accesso ShoWare Center

 

Photography

 

Professional photographers will be taking photos at this year's Commencement Ceremony.

Each graduate participating in the ceremony will have their picture taken as their receive their scroll after their name has been read. Graduates will be able to go to the 1000 Words Events website after the ceremony to view and save photos of the event at no cost.

Photos should be available to view 72 hours after the ceremony.

1000 Words event website